Case Studies: Comprehensive School Search.

Case Studies: Comprehensive School Search

Case One

CLIENT: International Banking Company

The Challenge:
A family relocating mid-year from Canada to Australia was concerned because their two children would either have to repeat or advance a grade due to the differing school year and curricula demands. Their concern was focussed on their younger child who was experiencing academic difficulties.

The Solution:
After a comprehensive review of the children’s reports and speaking with their parents and teachers, the consultants at Educational Connections determined that the older child could successfully be advanced a grade and the younger child could extend her current school year to consolidate her academic skills. An educational assessment was arranged to determine the younger child’s learning needs and to provide the recipient school with an Individual Educational Plan to facilitate her transition.

The Outcome:
Based on the children’s educational portfolios, specific configurations of schools were recommended in Melbourne which met both children’s learning needs. Moreover, the Individual Educational Plan allowed the new school to implement programming modifications and accommodations immediately. Both children experienced a successful educational transition to their new school setting.

Case Two

CLIENT: Pharmaceutical Company

The Challenge:
Educational Connections was asked to assist a family with three children with quite different learning needs find appropriate schooling in the Raleigh Research Triangle in North Carolina. The challenge was to find appropriate public schooling which offered a combination of French instruction for the two younger children and gifted programming for their eldest child. The parents had requested that their children be placed in the same school or have their schools within close proximity of each other.

The Solution:
Extensive professional networking and research was conducted on the various school districts in the target area to find the most suitable school(s) to meet the family’s values and the children’s needs. The children’s educational portfolios were extensively reviewed and interviews held with their teachers and parents to obtain a clear understanding of their learning styles. Criteria for gifted placement were clarified and appropriate documentation prepared.

The Outcome:
A reputable public school was found for their younger daughters which offered a combination of French language instruction and a talented/gifted program suitable for their older child. Negotiations were made directly with the superintendent of the local school district to accept the youngest child into the kindergarten program despite the limited spaces available. In addition, the school was located in a great neighbourhood. The family was thrilled.

Case Three

CLIENT: Communications Company

The Challenge:
There were many considerations to take into account in order to ensure educational continuity for the two children of this relocating family during their mid school year move. The family requested a semestered public secondary school for their eldest child, gifted programs for both children, and for the new school to be located in a certain area in order for the children to continue their extra-curricular activities.

The Solution:
Given the limited number of semestered public secondary schools in the target city, Educational Connections was fortunate to find one that also offered a gifted program. Through discussions with school board officials, the children were immediately enrolled into the gifted program.

The Outcome:
Successful school placement was achieved! Both the parents and the children were delighted with their new schools and that they were located in an area that allowed the children to resume their extra-curricular activities.